The Introduction to Titus is a Big Deal

TITUS 1:1-41 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—

2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

I knew this morning that I would be reading the intro to Titus and seeing if there was anything interesting about it. I didn't expect to get emotional about an introduction.

The following is stated in just these four verses:

Paul
-serves God as a Christian
-wants to help other Christians
-increase in Faith in God
-increase in knowledge of the truth
-is writing to Titus
-who he refers to as "my true son in our common faith" God
-does not lie
-promised (the hope of) eternal life before the beginning of time
-has entrusted (and commanded) Paul with preaching regarding these things

It's just the introduction yet basically can be made into an entire teaching. Paul makes it clear that God speaks through his people. Furthermore, Christians need other wiser Christians to grow both in knowledge and in faith.

We also see that the Body of Christ is like a family. Paul cares so much for Titus that he makes it very clear in just three words, "My true son".

"My" - holding the younger man dear to his own heart. "True" - removing any restriction based on blood lineage. And "son", not friend, or cousin, but son.

To take someone in and love them as your own is a full time job, time spent that is worth honoring. Now of course I've never had the opportunity to do this myself, but it sure is how I've been treated. Whatever is the case for Titus' own "blood-parents", I can relate in having one much wiser (truly, more than one) come watch over me and take care of me. To have such an honor is a blessing I can't help but be thankful for.

This also is an established relationship, seeing earlier mentions of Titus, Paul refers to him with words that aren't as endearing. In 2 Corinthians we see him use brother, fellow worker, and partner. Some time has passed (maybe only a year) and he is now loved as a son. Most likely converted by Paul, he was not a Jew and yet that didn't stop Paul from deeply loving him.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts on this beautiful opening to such a short concise book.